Teslenko was caught red-handed on Wednesday

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YEKATERINBURG, November 1 (Itar-Tass) — The press service of the Chelyabinsk region governor said the decision to suspend the regional health care minister who is under investigation in corruption case has not been taken yet. "At present, his functions are performed by his first deputy Olga Dobrokhotova," the press service said.

A comprehensive check into the regional health care system is underway at present. "In October, the governor met with director of the regional FSB department Sergei Staritsyn. They jointly decided to launch a comprehensive check of the local health care system," the press service said.

Earlier reports said regional Health Care Minister Vitaly Teslenko was detained as he was taking a 28-million-rouble bribe.

Criminal proceedings were opened over fraud.

Teslenko was caught red-handed on Wednesday. Other suspects in the case are deputy chief doctor of the Ksegach health center, volunteer advisor to the Chelyabinsk region governor Ivan Sorokun and chief doctor of regional hospital # 4 Mikhail Shukhovtsev, a representative of the press service of the regional department of the Federal Security Service /FSB/ Marina Gorlevskaya told Itar-Tass on Thursday.

The investigators said the officials, as members or an organized criminal group, overstated the price of medical equipment within the framework of the action to purchase Stephanix x-ray/diagnostic units worth over 143 million roubles, and then ensured the victory by a firm they controlled.

The price difference amounting to at least 28 million roubles was cashed out. They were detained in the cottage of the minister, when Shukhovtsev brought them another part of the stolen money to share.

An investigation is underway. The suspects are being questioned.

The FSB representative said the investigators would ask the court to place the suspects under arrest.